Creamy Ham Potato Soup

of There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Creamy Ham Potato Soup on a chilly day. This classic dish is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors, making it a go-to meal for family dinners, meal prep, or when you have leftover ham from the holidays.

With tender chunks of potatoes, smoky ham, and a rich, velvety broth, this soup is easy to make, budget-friendly, and highly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking this as a way to use up leftover ham or making it from scratch with fresh ingredients, this soup is sure to become a staple in your household.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the consistency to your preference—some like it thick and creamy, while others enjoy a lighter broth-based version. It can also be customized with extra vegetables, different seasonings, or even a bit of cheese for added richness.

Unlike store-bought canned soups that are often loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, homemade Ham & Potato Soup allows you to control the ingredients while maximizing flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for leftovers and meal prepping.

Now, let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and why you’ll love it.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

This Ham & Potato Soup is a favorite for many reasons, but here are the top five reasons why this recipe stands out:

1. It’s a One-Pot, Easy-to-Make Meal

This soup is simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in one pot. No complicated steps or special equipment are needed.

2. Perfect for Using Leftover Ham

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover holiday ham, this recipe is the answer. It transforms leftover ham into a creamy, delicious soup that’s even better the next day.

3. Rich, Creamy, and Full of Flavor

The combination of tender potatoes, smoky ham, and a well-seasoned creamy broth creates a satisfying and deeply flavorful dish.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Want to add extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer a thicker soup? Adjust the consistency! This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to fit your preferences.

5. Meal Prep and Freezer Friendly

This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. It also freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Health Benefits of Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

While Ham & Potato Soup is considered comfort food, it also has several health benefits when made with wholesome ingredients.

1. High in Protein

Ham is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Potatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while ham adds iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

3. Satisfying and Filling

The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep you full for longer, reducing the need for unhealthy snacks.

4. Can Be Made Lighter

You can make this soup healthier by using low-fat milk, lean ham, and reducing added salt without compromising flavor.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information of Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Can be made gluten-free

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg

Ingredients List of Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

For the Soup Base

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings & Extras of Creamy Ham Potato Soup 

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on the saltiness of the ham)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions of Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and dice the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. Dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.

3. Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This helps thicken the soup.

4. Add the Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes, ham, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5. Stir in the Milk

Reduce the heat and slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes.

6. Adjust Seasonings & Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese before serving.

 

How to Serve Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

• Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or biscuits
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chives
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions of Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For best results, freeze before adding dairy, then add fresh milk when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Ham & Potato Soup is relatively simple to make, there are a few mistakes that can affect the taste, texture, and overall quality of the dish. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

1. Overcooking or Undercooking the Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most important ingredients in this soup, so getting them just right is crucial. If undercooked, they will be too firm and unpleasant to eat. If overcooked, they will break down too much and make the soup overly starchy or mushy. The best way to prevent this is to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Potatoes

Not all potatoes work well in soups. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while still being creamy. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, tend to break down more, which can make the soup too thick or grainy. If you prefer a chunkier soup, stick with Yukon Gold or even red potatoes.

3. Adding Dairy Too Quickly

If you add milk or cream directly to boiling soup, it can curdle or separate. To prevent this, reduce the heat before adding dairy and stir continuously to help it integrate smoothly. Adding dairy slowly and at a lower temperature will ensure a creamy consistency.

4. Skipping the Roux (Butter & Flour Mixture)

A roux helps thicken the soup and gives it a rich, creamy texture without needing heavy cream. If you skip this step or don’t cook the roux properly, your soup might end up too thin or have a raw flour taste. Make sure you cook the butter and flour for at least 1-2 minutes to remove the floury taste before adding liquid.

5. Not Adjusting the Seasoning Properly

Ham is naturally salty, so adding extra salt too early can result in an overly salty soup. It’s best to taste the soup before adding additional salt. If it’s too salty, you can balance it out by adding a little extra milk, broth, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.

6. Not Using a Homemade Ham Broth

While store-bought broth works fine, using a homemade ham bone broth can take your soup to the next level. If you have a leftover ham bone, simmer it in water with onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves for about an hour to create a flavorful, rich broth. This will add depth to your soup that store-bought versions just can’t match.

7. Making the Soup Too Thick or Too Thin

The consistency of the soup is a matter of personal preference, but failing to adjust it can lead to an unsatisfactory texture. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk in small increments until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons milk, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer until it thickens.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you’ll ensure your Ham & Potato Soup turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every time.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham & Potato Soup

If you want to take your Ham & Potato Soup to the next level, these pro tips will help you create a soup that is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

1. Use Leftover Ham for the Best Flavor

Using leftover holiday ham (such as smoked or honey-glazed ham) adds incredible depth to the soup. If you don’t have leftovers, opt for high-quality, thick-cut ham instead of thin deli slices.

2. Make Your Own Ham Broth for Extra Depth

For the best results, simmer a leftover ham bone with water, onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves for about an hour. This homemade ham broth will enhance the depth of flavor in the soup, making it even more delicious.

3. Sauté Vegetables for More Flavor

Instead of just adding raw vegetables to the broth, sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in butter first. This helps bring out their natural sweetness and gives the soup a richer, more developed flavor.

4. Use a Roux Instead of Heavy Cream

If you want a creamy texture without using heavy cream, making a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) is the way to go. This technique thickens the soup without making it too rich or heavy.

5. Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess

For a more indulgent soup, stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

6. Add a Little Spice for a Flavor Boost

While this soup is naturally mild, adding a bit of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors and give it an extra kick.

7. Serve with Fresh Bread for the Perfect Meal

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or biscuits. If you have extra time, try making a quick artisan bread or cornbread as a side.

By following these pro tips, your Ham & Potato Soup will go from good to amazing every time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Ham & Potato Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually improve overnight. Just be sure to reheat gently to prevent curdling.

2. Can I Freeze This Soup?

Yes, but without the dairy. Dairy-based soups can separate when frozen, so if you plan to freeze, make the soup without the milk and add it fresh when reheating.

3. What’s the Best Type of Potato for This Soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice because they hold their shape while adding a creamy texture. Russet potatoes tend to break down more, making the soup thicker.

4. How Do I Prevent the Soup from Curdling?

To prevent curdling:

• Reduce heat before adding milk or cream
• Stir continuously while adding
• Use whole milk or 2%, as lower-fat milk is more prone to separating

5. Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Cook the potatoes, ham, broth, and vegetables on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk and roux in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.

6. What Can I Add to Make It More Filling?

Try adding:

• Corn for a slightly sweet contrast
• Beans (cannellini or navy beans) for extra protein
• Shredded cheddar cheese for richness
• A poached egg on top for extra creaminess

7. Can I Use Ham from a Deli?

It’s not recommended, as deli ham lacks the smoky, rich flavor of leftover ham or thick-cut ham steaks. If using deli ham, choose thick slices and add a bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Ham & Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, hearty, and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it as a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or using up leftover ham, this soup is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

By following these pro tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll ensure a soup that is perfectly balanced, creamy, and full of flavor every time.

Now it’s your turn!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade Ham & Potato Soup!

Print